Minnesota Vikings Face Another Early-Season Hurdle After Recent News

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones was suspended for three games by the NFL for violating the NFL substance abuse policy. His suspension is without pay and he is allowed to participate in the remaining preseason activities and his suspension will begin on August 30th. Jones is eligible to return on Monday, September 28th, which is the final day of Week 3. 

Each NFL player is tested annually for Cocaine, synthetic marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, opioids, PCP and MDMA. If entered into the program, Jones may be subjected to as many as ten tests per month. 

There was a change in the substance abuse policy in 2024. The Vikings were not informed of the substance that caused the positive test. 

Unfortunately, Jones was in a battle to make the 53-man roster. The first three receivers are set in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. Myles Price has impressed as well. Jones has bounced on and off the roster since 2024 and at this point, would it even be wise to hold him during his suspension?

Jones has appeared in only one NFL game and operated as the team's punt returner. 

On the heels of a very nice performance against the Baltimore Ravens where Jones caught five passes on six targets for 63 yards. Operating primarily from the slot with 18 snaps in the slot and 13 outside, Jones was making a solid case to stick on the roster. 2025's preseason was a nice showing with nine receptions on 13 targets for 100 yards.

The bump in his slot utilization is new as Jones took 27 snaps this preseason as opposed to a combined 18 snaps in the last two preseasons. As a run blocker, Jones made a mark with a 67.9 grade so far and a 76.9 run blocking grade last preseason. 

The hope is Jones is doing better and gets passed this mistake and can continue his NFL career. You never want to hear about this with any player, but his future with the Vikings is certainly up in the air. 

Another option for the Vikings is to put Jones on the suspended list, but that still requires a 53-man roster spot, which is very valuable. The five locks appear to be Jefferson, Addison, Jennings, Price, and Tai Felton. Perhaps Jones is able to sneak on the roster, but the team would be missing a valuable sixth receiver.